The Wisconsin Badgers women’s basketball team (3-0 overall) has won its first three games of the season in dominant style, winning all three games by double digits. The Badgers are up for a challenge this Monday night, however, as they play a hot IUPUI Jaguars (3-0) team.
In the Badger’s matchup with the North Dakota State Bison (2-2), they got off to a slow start, going back and forth with the Bison throughout the first quarter. Freshman forward Imani Lewis came up big for the team. Lewis’ strength helped her achieve two “and-one’s” in the first half, helping the Badger’s surge to a 17-2 run to end the half.
North Dakota State made a serious comeback in the third quarter through some exceptional three-point shooting, as they went 5-for-6 from beyond the arc. Lewis, along with redshirt senior guard Kelly Karlis, ultimately helped the Badgers pull away in the second half for the win. Lewis finished with an impressive 19 points and 7 rebounds, while Karlis managed 11 points and 6 rebounds.
One of the keys to victory was Wisconsin’s ability to get the ball inside the paint to senior forward Marsha Howard. Wisconsin put up 36 points in the paint, which proved to be a big difference maker in the game, as the Bison only had 16 points in the paint.
Wisconsin’s 64-53 victory was a good early test of the team’s mentality. Their ability to come back from blowing a double-digit lead is very hard to do, and it’s especially crucial that they were able to do it this early in the year.
Looking forward, Wisconsin’s game with IUPUI should be a close one as the teams match up well. IUPUI is coming off a close, 73-72, win over the UT-Martin Skyhawks.
Sophomore forward Macee Williams was a difference maker as she led the game in points scored and rebounds, with 24 points and 9 rebounds. Williams also achieved a double-double in IUPUI’s game against the Ole Miss Rebels, finishing with 23 points and 12 rebounds. It is clear that Williams is going to have a big impact in the game against Wisconsin.
The Jaguars also have junior guard Holly Hoopingarner and senior guard Sydney Hall, who have complimented Williams well. Hoopingarner and Hall have combined for five double-digit scoring games this season.
The Jaguars have done a good job scoring second-chance points. They will need to look to get the ball inside to Macee Williams to produce a quality amount of points against Wisconsin’s tough defense.
Monday’s game will be won or lost in the paint. Both teams use their tall forwards — Williams for IUPUI; Lewis and Howard for Wisconsin — frequently on offense. Wisconsin will hope that their duo can stop Williams’ strong start to the season to stay undefeated.
Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m.
